Syracuse Women’s Basketball: Preview and Predictions Against Iowa State
The 9th-seeded Syracuse Orange meet the 8th-seeded Iowa State Cyclones tomorrow night in Storrs. Tip-off is 5:30 on ESPN2. The broadcast team is Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo and Holly Rowe.
Game context
This matchup pits two strong frontcourt teams against each other. Syracuse will lean on center Uche Izoje. Iowa State counters with star post Audi Crooks.
Syracuse is missing perimeter guard Dominque Darius. That absence could alter rotations and scoring balance.
What to watch
- Iowa State is connecting on 36.5% of its three-point attempts.
- Four Cyclones shoot better than 35% from beyond the arc.
- The Cyclones rank first in the Big 12 in scoring, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage.
Matchup notes
Syracuse relies on forcing turnovers and blocking shots. The Orange also crash the glass to limit second chances.
Iowa State plays excellent ball movement. The Cyclones can score quickly from inside and outside.
Key decisions
Syracuse must decide whether to stay home on shooters. Letting Uche Izoje guard Audi Crooks one-on-one could pay off.
If Crooks draws early fouls on Izoje, Syracuse could face a deep deficit. Avoiding foul trouble is critical.
What Syracuse needs
The Orange must create extra possessions and convert them. Complementary scoring will matter without Darius.
Defensive discipline against three-point shooters is essential. Keeping the Cyclones from getting hot will determine the outcome.
Predictions
Filmogaz.com staff offer two projections for the game. Both forecasts favor Iowa State, but margins differ.
- Kevin predicts Iowa State 77, Syracuse 71.
- Dom predicts Iowa State 84, Syracuse 74.
This piece serves as a Syracuse Women’s Basketball preview and includes our predictions and analysis against Iowa State. Share your own pick ahead of tip-off.
